TNAG-1953-FCO40-2782-Trade-of-rare-and-endangered-species-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 84

STATEMENT BY LORD CAITHNESS ISSUED TO THE PRESS BY THE DOE

1. The Government shares the concern that has been expressed about the African elephant. We already strictly implement controls on the

import of African ivory under the provisions of the Convention on

International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

(CITES). These controls include the scrupulous checking of

documentation to ensure that only ivory that has been obtained

legally is traded.

2.

We have been reviewing the position in the light of growing evidence of the decline of elephant populations. My Noble Friend Lord Caithness has just returned from official business in Kenya

where he took the opportunity to see for himself the extent of the

problem of ivory poaching and to discuss the issue with

representatives of the Kenya Government including Mr Richard Leakey

who has just been appointed to take charge of conservation matters

there.

3. We and those in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

who have carried out surveys throughout Africa now believe that

there is a clear case for banning all trade in new elephant tusks at the earliest practical opportunity. Effective action can only be taken internationally and the first opportunity to secure that

action will be the CITES conference in October. My Noble Friend

will be calling for concerted European support for such a ban at the

next meeting of the Council of Environment Ministers in June.

4. Concern has also been expressed about trade in illegal ivory passing through Kong Kong. Hong Kong has always complied fully with

the provisions of CITES and has strict legislative control over the import of ivory. The only ivory which may be imported is from a

CITES approved source and is subject to the issue of a licence.

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